By Anonymous
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Locate it on a map – Mark the location of your “interaction” on the attached map with a red X and take a photo of it. Also include this photo with your submission on Blackboard so we will know where to place your addition on the campus map. (Please only select locations on Mason’s Fairfax campus—preferably that are easily walkable from our classroom.) (0.5 points)
Interactions – Describe the human-environment interaction(s) that are the topic of your map addition. (2 points).
Students at George Mason University have probably seen or passed the Mason Pond many times near the Center for Performing Arts concert Hall. Some students might even have picnics or just want to hang out by the mason pond and in sitting on the grass or just walking around the pond during nice spring, summer, or fall weather. The pond also has a lot of geese and ducks that like to come swim or walk along the grass.
Resource Characteristics – Describe the characteristics of the resource systems and/or units, e.g. the environmental side of the interaction. What aspect of the environment is involved? How? What are some of the critical ecological factors? Cite at least one academic source supporting your description (in addition to any course readings cited). (2 points).
On the Mason Sustainability Website, the map of GMU shows that the Mason Pond is made out of stormwater. When you click on the stormwater icon on the digital map it says “Mason Pond is a wet pond built in 1989. It is a major stormwater feature on Mason campus. It treats one third of the total Fairfax campus area with drainage area of approximately 163 acres. Additionally, Mason Pond is a working lab for stormwater research through the National Stormwater Monitoring Project and is regularly measured for its chemistry as part of this research as well a for compliance reasons (ArcGIS Web Application).” The mason pond helps make the environment good to enjoy and also know that the sustainability office is doing research at the pond. At GMU the Office of Sustainability tries their best at trying to protect and conserve our water on campus. “Mason manages its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit with approval from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Mason submitted two Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Action Plans so far that demonstrated how Mason intended to meet three milestones: a 5% reduction in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended solids by 2018, an additional 35% by 2023, and the final 60% by 2023.” (Water).
Governance/User Characteristics – Describe the characteristics of the governance systems and/or users, e.g. the human side of the interaction. Who is involved? What political institutions? How are they involved? What might be some of the drivers? Cite at least one academic source supporting your description (in addition to any course readings cited). (2 points).
I believe that the university and the office of sustainability are in charge of the pond. I am sure that also people who work with the campus landscaping also have something to do to be involved with the mason pond. “Stormwater management is an integral component of the design, construction, maintenance, and management of Mason’s facilities and campuses. The stormwater management program at Mason minimizes the impacts of runoff by providing water quantity and quality control associated with land disturbance such as flooding, erosion, and water pollution. Additionally, as construction activities take place, the university incorporates measures that protect and improve natural areas during and after construction. Within its buildings, Mason uses faucet aerators, motion sensors, and waterless urinals. On the Fairfax campus, our irrigation system has sensors that register when there is rainfall; thus water less if at all, while at the Science and Technology campus, the irrigation system evaluates local weather data. Additionally, the campus strives to create more vegetated regions, such as our green roof, vegetated gardens and swales. We also aim to increase pervious areas, and design additional dry and wet retention ponds to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution in our waterways.” (Water).
Social/cultural/economic/political settings or related ecosystems – Do any of the following play a role? [Social context] Cultural factors, economic development, demographic trends, political stability, resource policies, market incentives, media organization; [Related ecosystems] Climate patterns, pollution patterns, ecological flows in/out of the SES. (2 points).
There are other places on campus that collect stormwater. By looking at that virtual map above there are a few other places on campus that collect stormwater just like the pond does. You see iconic photos of campus with the pond in front which helps get students to come here because it is a pretty environment to be in and just relax with friends or by yourself. I see people all the time having picnics and just hanging out on the field around the pond.
What can we do? – What are the implications of this interaction on humans and the environment? How could we do differently at Mason to improve them? Cite at least one academic source supporting your description (in addition to any course readings cited). (2 points).
I think we got to keep doing stormwater management like what the website said. I don’t know when the website was updated last but I believe it’s still true and a way to take care of the environment and to enjoy the scenery around us on campus.
If relevant – Is the university acting on this issue? State any actions that are already underway or have been taken by the university. (1 point).
I believe that the office of sustainability is still acting on the water management on our campus. Being environmentally friendly and sustainable are very important things for the office of sustainability.
Works Cited:
Water – Office of Sustainability. https://green.gmu.edu/campus-sustainability/water/ Accessed 12 Apr. 2022.
ArcGIS Web Application. https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=09fa43a9873448b18f4fe8a0ba27e75f&extent=-8606742.4347%2C4696970.7468%2C-8604884.0594%2C4698245.0954%2C102100. Accessed 12 Apr. 2022.